Matthew Ma

On December 21, 2024, the Spanish government published Law 7/2024, which introduces a new tax on liquids for electronic cigarettes and other products related to tobacco (the “new Tax”). This law is part of a broader package of measures that also includes a Complementary Tax to comply with the EU’s Pillar Two directive on minimum […]

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A recent global report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed that 15-year-olds in Ireland have the lowest smoking rates in the European Union (EU) at just 7%. However, the same report also found that Ireland ranks fourth highest in the EU for regular vaping among young people. Encouraging Health Trends […]

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Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that approximately 10 companies involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of vape products have registered with the department in 2024. These accredited vape firms have met the standards established by the Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine […]

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Just one week after the Maldives implemented a ban on using vapes, the Police have already fined nine individuals for violating the new law. According to a Police media official, these fines, issued by Sunday, amount to a total of MVR 50,000 (approximately USD 3,240). One of the nine offenders received an additional fine of […]

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The New Zealand government has implemented significant changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products 1990 Act, aiming to better protect children and young people from the potential harms of vaping. These amendments introduce stricter regulations on advertising, retail display, penalties for selling to minors, and a ban on disposable vaping devices. The new measures […]

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Illinois will enforce new laws placing additional restrictions on electronic cigarettes beginning January 1. The legislation aims to address concerns about the accessibility and appeal of e-cigarettes to minors. One law prohibits the advertising, marketing, or promotion of e-cigarettes in a manner that may cause confusion with non-tobacco products. State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, […]

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GSTHR Briefing Paper Showcases Aotearoa New Zealand’s Smoking Cessation Success Through Vaping The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR), a project from public health agency Knowledge·Action·Change (KAC), has released its latest Briefing Paper, which sheds light on Aotearoa New Zealand’s remarkable journey towards achieving “smokefree” status. The report, titled “Pro-consumer laws and an endorsement […]

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Vaping Companies Shift Manufacturing to Indonesia Amid U.S.-China Trade Tensions The vaping industry faces a significant challenge as global trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China, continue to escalate. With the U.S. poised to increase tariffs on Chinese imports, vaping companies must adapt to avoid skyrocketing costs, supply chain disruptions, and diminished competitiveness […]

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Examining the Debate Over Vape Flavors and Their Role in Smoking Cessation As the debate surrounding vape flavors continues, policymakers and researchers find themselves at odds over the optimal approach to regulating these products. While some studies suggest that vape flavors may produce harmful substances when heated, others argue that flavors play a crucial role […]

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Vape Shops Claim Unconstitutionality and Irreparable Harm in Complaint Two Rhode Island vape shops, Vaporetti LLC and Sunshine Vape LLC, have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the state’s upcoming ban on flavored e-cigarettes, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, is unconstitutional. The complaint, filed on November 26 in the U.S. District Court […]

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